10 new fire stations, 40 NDCs to receive firefighting jeeps - Home Affairs Minister
Labourer on bail for robbery
4 nabbed with stolen items after robbing businesswoman
UG must be a driver, not an observer – new Chancellor Sir Ronald Sanders Stabroek News announces closure, citing financial strain, digital shift Speaker urges unity
President Irfaan Ali (right) joins the newly installed 11th Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Sir Ronald Sanders, and Prime Minister Mark Phillips at the installation ceremony held at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre, Turkeyen Campus (Office of the President photo)
BRIDGE OPENING
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 14 –14:35h–16:05h, and Sunday, February 15 – 15:20h–16:50h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Sunny skies interrupted by brief intervals of midday rain are expected during the day, followed by clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.91 metres.
High Tide: 14:50h reaching a maximum height of 2.29 metres.
Low Tide: 08:23h and 20:55h reaching minimum heights of 1.07 metres and 1.86 metres.
$1.558 trillion Budget 2026 passed in National Assembly
After one week of passionate debates and intense scrutiny of the last five days, the National Assembly in the wee hours of today approved the passage of the $1.558 trillion Budget 2026 – the first national fiscal plan of the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.
Presented under the theme “Putting People First”, Budget 2026 builds on the last five years of steady progress and ushers in a new phase of inclusive, diversified growth through creating more opportunities for accelerated job creation, income generation, and human capital development.
The National Assembly late Friday evening approved the $116.9 billion budgetary allocation for the Finance Ministry, but not before a number of areas, including the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) operations, came under scrutiny.
In the Committee of Supply, Ganesh Mahipaul of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Opposition questioned whether GRA’s Petroleum Revenue Department is fully staffed, to which Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh indicated that there are 14 vacant positions for principal auditors.
“In an optimal configuration, they would like to have 91 persons in their optimal configuration,” the Minister stated, adding, however, that the agency continues to build capacity in-house.
“Of course, efforts continue to fill those vacancies, but we continue efforts also to build the capacity, including through specialised training, which we’ve been doing a lot more of. Attachments and training opportunities for the staff are there, [and] better use of technology-based solutions so that they’re able to do more with less, etc.”
Despite these vacancies, the Finance Minister assured that the work of the department is not being affected. “The discharge of our statutory obligations is in no way impeded. We are discharging our statutory obligations, and we will continue to do so,” he emphasised.
In the same vein, Dr Singh highlighted that the GRA must be lauded for the work it has done to build the capacity needed for its oversight of Guyana’s burgeoning oil and gas sector, which includes taxation and compliance.
“The task of building institutions is not an instantaneous or overnight one… What we have achieved in the GRA, and indeed in so many other institutions that are administering our oil and gas sector, is most commendable, and the people who have been involved in building up this capacity, I think, have done an absolutely fantastic job… in such a short space of time that they have done it.”
“I think the Board of the
Is there consideration to strengthen that department [at GRA, which issues the licences] to ensure there is no issuance of licences to people who do not fit the criteria?”
GRA must be completed, the technical leadership of the GRA should be completed [and] the staff of the GRA must be commended for the really remarkable manner in which they have built up capacity in a short space of time. And so, I don’t want us to leave with the impression that there is some glaring and gaping gap or shortage in capacity. They’re doing an absolutely fantastic job with the resources they have, and they deserve our highest commendation. Having said that, we will continue to do all that we can to continue to build capacity going forward,” the Minister stated.
MP Mahipaul further asked whether the GRA’s $11.6 billion budgetary allocation also catered for the strengthening of safeguards against fraud as it relates to the driver’s licensing programme.
According to the Opposition MP, “There has been some cause for concern with reference to the issuance of drivers’ licences, and there were some exposures…
In response, Dr Singh noted that while this is also an area that the Government is keen on ridding of fraudulent practices, the entire licensing process involves multiple agencies that are outside of the Authority’s functions. Nonetheless, pointing to the recent announcement by President Dr Irfaan Ali of administering the driver’s licence examination online through the Guyana Digital School, the Minister assured, “We’re committed to looking at the entire lifecycle of these transactions and making sure we strengthen the entire process.”
Similarly, the APNU MP had grilled the Finance Minister about enhancing the National Procurement and Tender Board Administration (NPTAB) functions. He cited efforts since 2022 to introduce electronic procurement at NPTAB.
The Finance Minister noted that this platform is expected to be rolled out later this year. In fact, he noted that at least one demonstration was done as part of Phase One of the implementation process, which is being led by the National Data Management Authority.
Dr Singh further indicated that the Procurement Act is also being reviewed with the aim of updating the legislation not just to facilitate the introduction of e-procurement but other critical areas as well. Similarly, he assured that there are constant efforts to make the NPTAB website
more user-friendly.
Minister Singh also fielded questions from Opposition Member Tabitha SaraboHalley of We Invest in Nationhood, who enquired about the final report of the 2022 National Population and Housing Census.
Dr Singh indicated that he too, along with the Government, is awaiting the final report from the National Bureau of Statistics. However, with the preliminary report released last month, the Minister acknowledged the mammoth task of conducting the census, which involved over 1000 workers.
“This is a huge exercise… [and] it is equally important for all of us to develop a stronger sense of appreciation for the magnitude of effort involved in these exercises, particularly if you want it done well… And in the same breath, urge them to conclude the final report in the shortest possible time,” the Minister stated.
The passage of the Finance Ministry’s allocations brought an end to the consideration of the 2026 budget estimates after a week-long intense scrutiny.
APNU MP Ganesh Mahipaul
Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance
Dr Ashni Singh with staff of the Finance Ministry on Friday evening
The installation of the 11th Chancellor of the University of Guyana gestures a renewed emphasis on the strategic direction of higher education at a time when Guyana’s economic transformation demands institutions that are agile, globally connected and academically rigorous. The call to align academic qualifications with professional designations is both timely and necessary.
Around the world, universities are reassessing traditional models of instruction and credentialing. The value of a degree is increasingly measured not only by academic attainment but also by demonstrable competence and industry relevance. Professional certifications, global standards and accreditation frameworks have become critical markers of readiness for the modern workforce. Integrating these elements into university programmes is no longer optional; it is fundamental to competitiveness.
For Guyana, this alignment is particularly urgent, as the country’s economy is now deeply intertwined with global markets, cross-border investment and multinational enterprise. As new sectors expand and established industries modernise, the demand for specialised expertise, regulatory compliance and internationally benchmarked skills continues to rise. Graduates must therefore be equipped with both theoretical knowledge and with qualifications that meet global professional standards.
This vision reinforces the essential role of research, and strong universities are distinguished by their capacity to produce scholarship that withstands scrutiny, advances knowledge and informs policy and industry. A deliberate and sustained focus on research enhances institutional credibility and strengthens national development. It also enables participation in regional and international academic networks, fostering collaboration and innovation.
The University of Guyana occupies a pivotal space in this regard, and as the country’s premier tertiary institution, it carries the responsibility of shaping human capital across disciplines. Optimising its assets, physical, intellectual and institutional, must therefore be approached with strategic clarity. A sprawling campus and a growing body of faculty expertise represent opportunities that can be leveraged to support research clusters, professional partnerships and industrylinked programmes.
Globally successful universities often serve as engines of economic and social transformation; they generate ideas, train leaders, incubate entrepreneurship and inform public policy. Achieving such impact requires sound governance, financial sustainability and a clear institutional strategy. Building a self-sustaining footing involves diversifying revenue streams, strengthening alumni engagement and deepening collaboration with the private sector and professional bodies.
Equally important is inclusivity, and expanding access to education ensures that national development is broad-based and equitable. Reaching underserved communities, whether through innovative delivery models, technology-enabled learning or targeted outreach, strengthens social cohesion and broadens the talent pool. An institution that reaches the unreached contributes to individual advancement as well as collective progress.
The integration of professional designations into degree programmes presents a practical pathway to enhance employability. Where academic curricula are aligned with the requirements of recognised professional institutions, graduates gain immediate credibility in domestic and international markets. This alignment also encourages closer partnerships between academia and industry, fostering internships, mentorship and applied research opportunities.
Guyana’s expanding diplomatic presence offers another avenue for growth, as international partnerships can open doors to joint research initiatives, faculty exchanges and collaborative degree programmes. Strategic engagement with global institutions enhances visibility and facilitates knowledge transfer. Such relationships, carefully cultivated, position the university within wider academic and professional networks.
Economic growth must be matched by intellectual and institutional growth. Universities that anticipate change, rather than react to it, become catalysts for progress. Aligning academic qualifications with professional standards, strengthening research capacity and optimising institutional assets are practical steps toward that goal.
Reform in higher education requires thoughtful planning, adequate resources and a shared understanding of long-term priorities. When strategic vision is paired with operational discipline, institutions can evolve without compromising academic integrity.
The moment presents a constructive opportunity as Guyana stands at an interval where economic expansion and global engagement demand a modernised education framework. By embracing international standards, deepening research and broadening access, the University of Guyana can strengthen its standing at home and abroad. In doing so, it can play a decisive role in shaping a skilled and competitive workforce capable of meeting the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.
Children’s Mashramani 2026 dance finals at the National Cultural Centre on Friday (Education Ministry photos)
US extradition request
US-indicted Mohameds try another tactic to block Magistrate from advancing committal
The United States (US) indicted Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, who have filed an application in the Court of Appeal of Guyana seeking a stay of extradition proceedings, pending the determination of their substantive appeal. The Notice of Motion filed names Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond, Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall and Senior Magistrate Judy Latchman as respondents.
The applicants are seeking a stay of the extradition proceedings currently before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, in which the US is requesting their surrender. They are also asking that the appeal be heard urgently and that the hearing of the stay application be treated as the appeal if the court considers it appropriate. The appeal follows a February 4 ruling by acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh dismissing a Fixed Date Application in which the Mohameds had sought to quash the Authority to Proceed (ATP) issued by the Home Affairs Minister on October 30, 2025, under the Fugitive Offenders Act, Cap. 10:04.
In that application, the Mohameds argued that the ATP and subsequent arrest warrants were tainted by political bias and therefore unlawful. They contended that the Minister, the Government, President Irfaan Ali, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo and the AG were biased against Azruddin Mohamed because of his political activity, including his participation in the September 1, 2025, General Elections. However, in dismissing the application, the acting Chief Justice ruled that a case of bias had not been made out and could not be made out.
He held that the minister was discharging an executive function under the Fugitive Offenders Act when issuing the ATP and was not performing a judicial or quasi-judicial role. As such, allegations of bias could only be directed at judicial tribunals and not the executive. Each of the three respondents, the AG, the Minister of Home Affairs and Senior Magistrate Latchman, was awarded $500,000 in costs. Trinidad and Tobago Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes represented the Magistrate, while the AG appeared in person.
The Magistrate herself took no active part in the
proceedings. Following the ruling, AG Nandlall told reporters that the decision reaffirmed the independence of the judiciary and the proper constitutional role of the executive in extradition matters. He stated that entering politics after the commencement of extradition proceedings could not be used to challenge lawful processes and that the law does not permit claims of bias to be levelled against executive decisions of this nature. He further noted that courts across the Caribbean, the Commonwealth and England have consistently held that executive action in extradition matters is not subject to bias claims. The February ruling also rendered unnecessary a pending application by the Mohameds to stay the Magistrates’ Courts proceedings.
Earlier, on January 6, 2026, the acting Chief Justice had refused a separate application for a stay of the extradition proceedings, clearing the way for the substantive hearing before Magistrate Latchman to proceed. Attorneys for the Mohameds indicated at that time that they would appeal to the Full Court and continue pursuing a stay. Lead counsel Roysdale Forde had stated that the legal battle would be extensive and could ultimately reach the Caribbean Court of Justice. AG Nandlall had described several of the defence’s High Court challenges as premature and argued that the extradition framework provides mechanisms for appeals and stays after a committal order is made. He maintained that interlocutory applications seeking to halt the committal hearing had been consistently rejected by courts.
The Mohameds are seeking to block their extradition to the US, where they have been indicted by a federal grand jury in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on 11 charges, including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. The allegations relate primarily to gold exports through their company, Mohamed’s Enterprises. The extradition request was formally submitted by the US Government on October 30, 2025, under the Guyana–United Kingdom (UK) Extradition Treaty, which remains in force in Guyana pursuant to Section 4(1)(a)
of the Fugitive Offenders Act, as amended by Act No. 10 of 2024.
In their current application before the Court of Appeal, the Mohameds argue that the Minister and AG were affected by presumed and apparent bias and that the ATP is therefore void. They contend that if the appeal succeeds and the ATP is quashed, the ex-
tradition proceedings must fail. Accordingly, they maintain that there is a serious issue to be tried and that a stay is necessary pending the outcome of the appeal. A date for the hearing has not been fixed.
The extradition of Azruddin Mohamed and his father is being pursued under the Guyana–UK Extradition Treaty, which
remains in effect in Guyana under Section 4(1)(a) of the Fugitive Offenders Act, Cap. 10:04, as updated by Act No. 10 of 2024. The formal request for their extradition was submitted by the US Government on October 30, 2025.
The Mohameds, along with their business interests, were sanctioned by the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on June 11, 2024. The sanctions were imposed for allegations of large-scale corruption, including gold smuggling, money laundering and bribery, with investigations indicating attempts to evade more than US$50 million in taxes owed to the Guyanese Government.
In addition, a grand jury in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida has indicted the father-son duo on 11 criminal counts, including wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering primarily linked to the export of gold by their company, Mohamed’s Enterprises, to the US. If convicted, most of the charges carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and fines up to US$250,000. The money laundering charge carries a potential fine of US$500,000 or an amount equivalent to the value of the laundered assets.
US-indicted Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed
Magic Squares
A magic square is a square array of numbers consisting of the distinct positive integers 1, 2, ..., arranged such that the sum of the numbers in any horizontal, vertical, or main diagonal line is always the same, known as the magic constant.
A square consisting of consecutive numbers starting with 1 is sometimes known as a "normal" magic square.
The unique normal square of order three was known to the ancient Chinese, who called it the Lo Shu. A version of the order-4 magic square with the numbers 15 and 14 in adjacent middle columns in the bottom row is called Dürer's magic square. Magic squares of order 3 through 8 are shown above.
Embrace the charm of folklore with a delightful painting project: create a floral heart decoration by painting simple flower shapes onto a wooden heart. This quick and easy craft is a perfect way to add a touch of rustic elegance to your décor. What you'll need
How to make
Step 1: Smooth the surface and edges of a wooden heart with fine sandpaper.
Push a thin skewer through the hole at the top then paint the heart on both sides and along the edges. Rest the ends of the
skewer between 2 jars so the heart can dry.
Step 2: Use a pencil to lightly draw the position of 2 small hearts onto the painted background. Fill in the hearts with pink or red paint. Leave to dry.
Step 3: Cut a ‘C’ shaped section from a cardboard tube. Brush paint along the edge of the card then press it onto the background to make the stems for the leaves. Turn the card the other way around to print a stem print facing the opposite direction, so you have a symmetrical design. Paint small leaves along the stems. Leave to dry.
Step 4: Use a pencil to lightly draw small circles onto the background as a guide for positioning some of flowers. Start painting the flowers onto the background by pressing the end of a small brush dipped in paint onto the surface to make a petal shape. Repeat to make 5 or 6 petals on each flower. As you paint each petal, turn the wooden heart background round so this is easier to do.
Step 5: Fill between the bigger flowers with smaller flower shapes. Mix white with
coloured paint to make lighter shades.
Step 6: Add dots into the middles of the flowers using a cotton bud or the end of a small brush dipped into paint. Print a pattern around the edge of the heart using a cotton bud. Add tiny dots around the hearts with a cocktail stick dipped in paint. Leave to dry.
Step 7: Thread a piece of coloured cord through the hole in the heart. Thread some wooden beads onto the cord then tie a knot to make a loop. (Adapted from bakerross. co.uk)
ByLord Byron (GeorGe Gordon)
She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that’s best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes; Thus mellowed to that tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less, Had half impaired the nameless grace Which waves in every raven tress, Or softly lightens o’er her face; Where thoughts serenely sweet express, How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, The smiles that win, the tints that glow, But tell of days in goodness spent, A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent!
Write an ode to St Valentine.
WORD SEARCH
APNU’s MP lauds Govt’s partnership with Mount Sinai to transform local healthcare sector
…as House clears over $2B for int’l collaborations, other initiatives
Parliamentary lead for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Opposition, Terrence Campbell, has commended the Guyana Government on its partnership with the United Statesbased Mount Sinai Health System to enhance local healthcare delivery and services.
“I want to congratulate the Minister on the partnership with Mount Sinai, and particularly in relation to oncology. And I hope that there is something there in terms of prostate cancer, having been treated at Mount Sinai for prostate cancer successfully so far,” Campbell stated in the Committee of Supply during Friday’s consideration of the Budget Estimates for the Health Ministry.
This praise was acknowledged by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, who went on to highlight the significant advancements made over recent years regarding oncology services in Guyana.
According to Dr Anthony,
“…three years ago, we didn’t have a programme where people could be routinely screened. So, we have put that in place, so now men can go and get the PSAs (prostate-specific antigen test) done… If it’s elevated, you can now go and get a biopsy done.”
This early detection, the Minister explained, is important given that prostate cancer is the leading type of cancer among men in Guyana.
“Over the last year, we did close to 600 biopsies, and about 400 or so were positive. So, those men were able to come into care earlier. So, it’s going to make a difference, because…if we catch it early, we’ll be able to treat people and prevent them from dying from prostate cancer. And that’s the objective of the Ministry,” Dr Anthony stated.
Similarly, the Health Minister added that prog-
ress has also been made as it relates to cervical cancer treatment in the country. He revealed that the Ministry has changed the vaccines used to treat human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical cancer.
“We have switched from a quadrivalent vaccine to a 9-valent vaccine, which is the best right now on the market, because it targets nine different strains of HPV that would cause cancer… If you have to get that vaccine in the US, it would cost you about US$360. You’re getting it here in Guyana for free,” the Minister noted.
Dr Anthony also used the opportunity to encourage parents to ensure that children between the ages of nine and 15, both boys and girls, get their HPV vaccinations to prevent the development of certain types of virus-causing cancer.
“In boys, there are certain cancers like penile and
rectal cancer that you can get, and this vaccine can prevent that. And we’ve also seen in other countries oral cancer that can be prevented by HPV,” he stressed.
Additionally, the health Minister also mentioned the $8000 cervical cancer voucher programme that was introduced by the Government two years ago to encourage screening among females so that those with positive results can be treated.
“So, these are good things, and please encourage your constituents to make sure they benefit from [these programmes],” Dr Anthony told the Opposition Parliamentarians on Friday while he was being questioned about budgetary allocations under his Ministry.
Among those funds is some $891 million injected into continuing Guyana’s wide-ranging collaboration with Mount Sinai – a partnership that runs until 2030
and is heavily subsidised by Hess Corporation.
“Guyana is paying a small part of the fees that we have with this partnership. So, the bulk of the financing is coming from HESS,” the Minister stated.
Currently, Mount Sinai is working with Guyana on a number of initiatives in the area of primary healthcare, including the screening of close to 80,000 children in nursery, primary, and secondary schools across the country. The US-based institution is also assisting with improving the quality of care being offered at the Georgetown Public Hospital and is providing technical oversight for the implementation of the electronic health records at the GPHC.
Guyana has also been consulting with Mount Sinai on the development of the Oncology Centre here as well as providing the research work for the estab-
lishment of a neurological centre in the country and has also developed a number of clinical guidelines for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, among others.
Meanwhile, Minister Anthony went on to disclose, under questioning by the Opposition, that the $891 million for Mount Sinai is part of a $2.1 billion budgetary allocation that was approved by the Committee on Friday. This includes some $1.73 billion for Guyana’s ongoing consultancy with Mount Sinai, Northwell Health and Ernst & Young.
Another $160.5 million for the health management information systems; $151.6 million towards various types of administrative work, such as including waste disposal service, remote security monitoring, etc.; and $108 million to host the 70th Annual Health Research Conference of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Georgetown this year were also among the spendings approved.
Guyana’s Health Ministry and Mount Sinai Health System held high-level discussions last month on strategic collaboration and programme development for 2026 and beyond
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony
APNU’s Parliamentary lead, Terrence Campbell
What else…
…new on GT flooding?
Once again, reports have flooded the news media about sections of Georgetown being flooded after an intense period of heavy rainfall – four inches in four hours!! Now your Eyewitness is getting kinda tired with the back and forth-ing between the central Government and the Mayor and City Council as to who’s responsible for this pitiful state of affairs. After all, it ain’t just a matter of water entering homes and soaking furniture, but the likelihood of waterborne diseases spreading and actually killing us off!! There are already reports of the feared and deadly Chikungunya hitting us!!
Now sadly, this situation ain’t new, and one has to enquire as to what the heck’s behind its stubborn persistence. Your Eyewitness did what might now be passé in the age of ChatGPT – he actually Googled the question of flooding in Guyana!! His finding confirms the old saying that “the more things change, the more they remain the same”!! He came across a paper on the exact problem – Sanitation and Civilisation in Georgetown, British Guiana by JUANITA DE BARROS.
It began by describing the fundamental challenge of trying to maintain a city on our coastland: “Georgetown’s geography prevented the easy introduction of a system that used water to move sewage (such as the one that had been instituted in England). All of British Guiana’s sea coast, including Georgetown, is below sea level. A succession of Africans enslaved by Dutch and British colonial masters laboured to drain the coastal plain and to construct dams and drainage canals to keep the water out.
“Even today, drainage canals and kokers combine with a sea wall to try to keep the land dry, the wall itself the last barrier against tides that can be over four feet high. The system, though, is often frustrated by the heavy rains to which British Guiana is subject. A downpour during high tide, when the kokers are closed, results in overflowing canals and flooding in parts of the city. In 1921, a heavy rainstorm flooded some city streets and swept away bridges. Streets and yards in five city wards were flooded, the water rising above the floors of houses. The high waters washed “any foul matters”, which ranged from “objectionable kitchen drainage, [to] refuse food, [to] garbage” to human waste, to the ground!!
“Throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries... while there was a flurry of legislation to improve sanitation. Yet political indifference undermined the effectiveness of this legislation and ensured that the concern with matters of health would remain mere rhetoric. Politicians and city officials often ignored their own policies and allowed property owners (notably landlords) to circumvent the laws.”
Looks like the floods are always gonna be with GT – so we better relocate it!!
…on democratisation?
We’re told democracy’s literally “Government by the people”!! For convenience, we chose representatives to do the job for us – but the closer these reps are to us, the more input we can hopefully have in governance matters. The answer, then, is to increase what we call “local Govt”??!! Towards this end – and knowing money makes the world go round – the Government just approved increases in stipends for members of NDCs!
Councillors on the RDCs will move from $30,000 to $50,000. On the NDC level it’s now $30,000 monthly –up from the previous paltry $3,000!! NDC Chairpersons’ stipends have increased from $10,000 to $50,000, while Vice Chairpersons will now receive $40,000, up from $5,000. Regional Chairmen have been bounced to $550,925/ monthly.
The increases come against the backdrop of earlier increases to subventions for local democratic organs. Municipalities now receive $50 million annually; each NDC receives $30 million. Previously, NDCs received about $5 million, and municipalities approximately $18 million.
We should now demand better services!!
…on national security
When it comes to our national security, you can’t have enough friends in your corner – especially when the threat is a century-old claim over Essequibo. The border defence pact floated by Pressie with Brazil is a timely contingency!!
4 nabbed with stolen items after robbing businesswoman
Police in Regional Division 4 B are investigating an alleged robbery under arms committed against a 59-year-old businesswoman on Thursday night at Herstelling New Scheme, East Bank Demerara.
Reports are that the incident occurred at about 21:15h. According to preliminary investigations, the woman was walking along a street in the area when she was approached by two men. One was armed with what appeared to be a handgun, while the other was armed with a knife.
Police said the suspect
Some of the items, including some of the stolen articles, found in the car by Police
armed with the knife placed it to the woman’s neck and demanded her valuables, while the other suspect stood nearby with the suspected firearm. Fearing for her life, the victim handed over a bag containing two cellular phones and other personal items. The items have a total value of $93,500. The suspects then fled the scene in a motor car.
Acting on information received, Police later went to a residence at Bougainvillaea Park, Farm, East Bank Demerara, where a motor car suspected to be linked to the robbery was observed.
A search was carried
out on the vehicle and the premises. During the exercise, Police recovered one of the stolen cellular phones along with several other cellular phones, two toy guns, a cutlass, a pair of scissors, a quantity of cash suspected to be counterfeit, and a bottle of wine. Four persons were arrested and placed into custody pending investigations. They are a 21-year-old driver, a 28-year-old labourer, a 19-year-old female and a 24-year-old porter, all of Bougainvillaea Park, Farm, East Bank Demerara. Investigations are ongoing.
Demerara Bank raises housing loan ceiling from $30M to $40M
On Friday, Demerara Bank Limited announced that it has increased its Residential Housing Loan ceiling from $30 million to $40 million while maintaining an interest rate of five per cent per annum. The revised limit took effect on February 9.
Under the updated framework, residential loans of up to $40 million will attract an interest rate of five per cent per annum on a reducing balance. The bank stated that this makes it the only commercial bank in Guyana currently offering residential financing at that rate up to the new ceiling.
The revised tiered in-
terest rate structure is as follows: up to $4 million requires 3.5 per cent per annum; $4,000,001 to $9 million requires 3.7 per cent per annum; $9,000,001 to $15 million requires 4.5 per cent per annum; and $15,000,001 to $40 million requires five per cent per annum.
The bank said the adjustment reflects changes in the residential construction sector, where costs have increased in recent years due to higher prices for materials, labour and contractor services. These factors, it noted, have made it more difficult for prospective homeowners to complete or finance homes within traditional lending limits.
According to the bank, the expanded ceiling is intended to align financing options with current market conditions and the needs of borrowers seeking to build, complete or purchase homes.
Demerara Bank stated that access to financing should not become more restrictive as housing costs evolve.
The institution said the revised framework allows customers to borrow higher sums where necessary without facing increased interest rates beyond the established tier.
The bank also indicated that homeownership remains a significant milestone for individuals and families, representing sta-
bility and long-term security. By maintaining its interest rate structure while raising the ceiling, the bank aims to support households pursuing home construction or acquisition.
Demerara Bank said the move is part of its role in supporting economic development and expanding opportunities for citizens. It maintained that adjustments to lending policies are intended to respond to market realities while promoting access to credit.
The institution also reaffirmed its commitment to providing financial services that assist customers at various stages of life, including homeownership.
CEO of Demerara Bank, Dowlat Parbhu
Speaker urges unity as Maha Shivratri, Lent, Ramadan approach
As Guyana prepares to enter a period marked by fasting, prayer and vibrant national celebrations, Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir on Thursday urged unity and reflection, highlighting the significance of Ramadan, Lent, Maha Shivratri, Mashramani and Phagwah as key moments on the country’s cultural and religious calendar.
Speaking at the start of Day Five of the considerations of the 2026 National Budget estimates, Nadir noted that the country is entering what he described as a “very sacred period,” as multiple faiths observe important milestones. He referenced the Hindu observance of Maha Shivratri, the anticipated sighting of the moon to signal the start of the holy month of Ramadan, and the upcoming 40 days of fasting by the Christian community beginning with Ash Wednesday.
Beyond the solemn observances, the Speaker also pointed to the festive celebrations ahead, including Mashramani and Phagwah, both of which
Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir
are expected to draw large participation across the country in colourful displays of national pride and cultural expression.
In a light moment before the Assembly moved into the Committee of Supply, Nadir explained the significance of the traditional African headwear he was wearing, noting that it is known as an “igwe” and is placed on the head of persons who are honoured, similar, he said, to the “kasik” worn in lo-
cal traditions. He shared that the cap was gifted to him by a member of the Fulani tribe during a visit to Africa.
“We have a rich history; we ought to celebrate it,” Nadir told members of the House, reflecting on Guyana’s diverse cultural roots and the contributions of past generations to national development.
The Speaker also spoke briefly about the country’s political history, noting that families whose
Labourer on bail for robbery
A53-year-old labourer was granted bail when he appeared before the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Joseph George of Brush Dam, Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was charged with robbery under arms, contrary to Section 222(c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 08:01. The charge alleges that on Monday at Vryheid’s Lust Public Road, ECD, he committed the offence against a 47-year-
old self-employed woman of Montrose, ECD. George appeared before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse,
where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of $150,000.
parents and grandparents were involved in early labour and political movements are represented in Parliament today. He described this as part of a shared legacy that should be recognised and respected.
With Ramadan, Lent and Maha Shivratri ushering in a period of prayer and reflection, followed closely by the patriotic celebrations of Mashramani and the joyous festival of Phagwa, the Speaker’s message underscored the importance of unity, thanksgiving and mutual respect as Guyana moves through what promises to be a season of both reverence and celebration.
UG must stand on its own strong footing – Pres Ali
…as Sir Ronald Sanders appointed 11th Chancellor
President Dr Irfaan Ali underscored the growing importance of professional designations as he presided over the installation of Sir Ronald Sanders as the 11th Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG) on Friday. During the ceremony, President Ali highlighted the need to align academic
qualifications with professional certifications and designations, noting that such integration reflects evolving global education standards and the needs of the modern
workforce. He emphasised that the university’s education system must be more closely integrated with professional institutions to ensure graduates are properly equipped for industry demands.
“Any successful academic institution or university in today’s world must be strong in research, must be able to deliver research papers that can stand scrutiny, must be able to contribute to literature and research, and the University of Guyana must occupy a deliberate space here nationally and, in our region to begin with, in terms of research. The world is moving away from the traditional form of academic qualification. But we must align those qualifications with professional designations,” the President said.
President Ali emphasised that Guyana’s higher education system must align with international professional standards to prepare the country’s workforce for global opportunities. He noted that degree programmes should lead directly to globally recognised certifications so graduates can meet inter-
national requirements.
He also stressed that Guyana’s rapidly evolving economy requires higher education institutions to align closely with global realities and standards, adding that UG possesses extensive and valuable assets that must be strategically optimised to strengthen human capital and global competitiveness.
“Especially given the fact that our economy is more closely aligned to global realities today. We have a sprawling and important piece of real estate here at the University of Guyana. I believe it is important that we optimise the assets of the University of Guyana,” he stated.
The Head of State also addressed the university’s role in national development and its expanding global presence, stressing the need to position the institution on a strong and self-sustaining footing.
“And we have to come up with a clear strategy as to how we optimise the assets of the University of Guyana. This is critical as we build an institution that will be able to stand on its own strong footing,” the President said. He added that many of the world’s successful universities help shape economic and social development. “We can do that if we optimise the University of Guyana.”
The President further emphasised the importance of inclusive access to education.
“Pre-education must allow us to reach the unreached. We have to ensure that whatever the University of Guyana does, we are able to reach the unreached,” he said.
Recognising the university’s potential to benefit from Guyana’s expanding diplomatic footprint, the President pointed to the role of international partnerships.
“Your position in a very special way in the international diplomatic community allows a smoother transit for the University of Guyana to become embedded in what is happening around the world,” he noted.
President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking during the installation ceremony of the new chancellor on Friday
Sir Ronald Sanders, the 11th Chancellor of UG
UG must be a driver, not an observer – new Chancellor Sir Ronald Sanders
Newly appointed Chancellor Ronald Sanders vowed to honour the legacy of his predecessors and strengthen the University of Guyana (UG)’s integrity, relevance, and public confidence, pledging to faithfully execute the responsibilities of his office amid a period of rapid national change.
Preceded by 10 former Chancellors, Sir Ronald Sanders said he is committed to faithfully executing the responsibilities of the office and building on the legacy of his predecessors.
Sir Ronald Michael Sanders is an Antiguan Barbudan diplomat, academic, former broadcast journalist, and the current Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and to the Organization of American States since 2015.
In his remarks, he expressed respect for those
who previously served in the role, stating that he will strive to emulate their vision, integrity, and record of public service, while acknowledging all former Chancellors and co-Chancellors.
“I shall endeavour to emulate the vision, integrity and public service that mark their example. And I acknowledge with respect all the former Chancellors and co-Chancellors of this university and its vice Chancellors, whose stewardship in early chapters helped to preserve and advance this institution to the moment we now inherit. In accepting this office, I see my responsibility as helping to sustain the university’s integrity, its relevance and its confidence in a time of rapid national change,” he said.
He remarked that Guyana stands at a pivotal moment in its history, with expanding economic oppor-
Newly-appointed Chancellor Sir Ronald Sanders
tunities, rising national expectations, and heightened global competition. He em-
phasised that a country’s future is determined not by resources alone, but by
the knowledge of its people, their ability to learn quickly, and their capacity to apply that knowledge effectively. Highlighting the critical role of higher education, he described the university as a central engine of national development, noting that in today’s world, knowledge drives progress while capital is mobile and technology is easily transferable.
Chancellor Sanders emphasised the critical role of UG in shaping Guyana’s future, highlighting that natural resources alone cannot secure national progress. He stated, “Natural resources are finite. But a skilled, adaptive, critically minded population is the only sustainable advantage that nations retain.”
On the transformative power of technology, Sir Ronald stressed, “As artificial intelligence reshapes work, governance and pro-
duction, the university must ensure that Guyana’s people are not passive consumers of technology but confident shapers of it. At a time when Guyana’s sovereignty is being tested and its future weighed in laws and evidence at a distant court, the university’s role in cultivating knowledge, confidence and national clarity becomes essential, not peripheral.”
On driving national development, he said, “If Guyana is to prosper beyond boom cycles, if it is to avoid enclave growth and continuous reliance on imported expertise, if it is to translate opportunity into broad-based national advancement, then the University of Guyana must sit at the very centre of that national project, not at its margins, not as an observer, but as a driver of capability, confidence, and competence.”
10 new fire stations, 40 NDCs to receive firefighting jeeps - Home Affairs Minister
Plans to construct 10 new fire stations across the country and to allocate firefighting pick-up vehicles to 40 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) were among the major highlights as the Home Affairs Ministry’s 2026 budget estimates came under scrutiny in the Committee of Supply on Friday.
Minister Oneidge Walrond on Friday outlined what she described as a significant expansion of the Guyana Fire Service’s infrastructure and operational reach while responding to questions from opposition Members of Parliament during the consideration of the estimates.
Apart from infrastructure, Walrond confirmed that 40 NDCs will be equipped with pick-up vehicles to enhance their capacity to respond quickly to fires, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities where response time has often been a challenge. She explained that the vehicles are intended to strengthen first-response capability at the community level, ensuring that action can be taken in the early stages of a fire before major fire tenders arrive.
The Minister told the House that the investment is part of what she described as an unprecedented level of capital works within the Guyana Fire Service (GFS),
involving new stations, rehabilitation of existing facilities, fleet expansion, and fire hydrant installations as central components of the 2026 programme.
Construction of new fire stations is slated for Wisroc, Soesdyke, Parika, Onverwagt, West Ruimveldt, Tarlogy, Rosignol Village, Number 38 Village, Canje, the Marine Fire Station in Georgetown and the Timehri Fire Station. In addition, works are ongoing or planned for completion and rehabilitation at Diamond, Lethem, Mabaruma, Madia, Linden, and New Amsterdam, among others.
A sum of $250 million has been allocated for the
purchase and nationwide installation of fire hydrants, which the Minister said will be distributed across all regions to improve fire suppression capability and hydrant coverage.
Upgrade of Police living quarters
On the policing side, allocations were also made for the upgrade of Police living quarters across the country, with priority rehabilitation projects underway in several regions, including Regions One, Four, and Six. At the Charity Police Station, $15.6 million has been budgeted for the construction of fencing and related infrastructure works.
The Minister also addressed staffing and training under the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Under the training allocation, several specialised courses are to be funded, including Senior and Junior Investigation courses, cybercrime training, crime scene investigation, and regional security system training for sergeants overseas.
In relation to forensic capacity, Walrond informed the House that 15 persons are to be trained in forensic disciplines, while additional specialists at the Guyana Forensic Laboratory are
also undergoing training to strengthen investigative capacity.
Road safety featured prominently during the debate, with the Minister outlining a series of measures aimed at reducing fatalities and traffic violations. These include training traffic officers in enhanced enforcement techniques, expanding the use of CCTV cameras under the Safe City and Safe Country programme, increasing the issuance and enforcement of e-tickets, and introducing governors on heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks.
Walrond told the Assembly that nearly 35,000 speeding tickets and other traffic violation notices have already been issued, with enforcement expected to intensify in 2026. She
also indicated that efforts are underway to regularise vehicle tint standards, noting that excessively dark tint has hindered detection through surveillance systems and cameras. The measures come against the backdrop of continued concern over road fatalities. According to Police data, 137 road deaths were recorded in 2025, compared with 132 in 2024 and 175 in 2023. Authorities have consistently cited speeding and reckless driving among the leading causes of fatal accidents.
The Home Affairs Ministry oversees operations of several agencies, including the GPF, Guyana Prison Service, GFS, General Register Office, and Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit.
Stabroek News announces closure, citing financial strain, digital shift
Stabroek News, one of Guyana’s daily newspapers is set to close, with its main shareholders describing the decision as “extraordinarily difficult and painful,” as they pointed to mounting financial losses and what they described as a rapidly changing media landscape. In a statement published in its Friday edition, the newspaper’s principal
shareholders of Guyana Publications Inc (GPI) said the decision followed years of financial strain compounded by structural challenges within Guyana’s small advertising market. While acknowledging a long-standing dispute over unpaid Government advertising, including more than $80 million owed by the state-run Department of Public Information
(DPI),
Editor-in-Chief
Anand Persaud on Friday said that the debt by DPI is not a reason that led to the overall decision to end its operations, as even if this was paid, the paper still cannot sustain itself in the current landscape.
“Now, it wasn’t necessarily a factor in the newspaper making the decision to close, that is, even if DPI had paid us on time
UG must be a driver, not...
Sir Ronald welcomed the Government’s move to make university education free, calling it “historic”, and added, “It removes the price barrier between talent and opportunity. From now on, ability and diligence, not wealth and status, should determine who advances.”
He added a reminder of the responsibility that comes with opportunity: “But access alone is not achievement. Free education creates possibilities, but it does not guarantee outcomes. The obligation now shifts to the individual.”
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Paloma Mohamed-Martin, welcomed the Chancellor with warm greetings, stating that she is confident the university will continue to flourish under his leadership.
“Chancellor, I install you in your office as Chancellor of the University of Guyana, and I express the sincere wish that the UG will prosper under your distinguished and wise guidance,” she said.
Dr Wayne Wesley also welcomed the newly ap-
FROM PAGE 15
pointed Chancellor, highlighting his appointment as a milestone that could foster growth and development across the Caribbean region.
“This is a major milestone, not only for the University of Guyana but also for Guyana and the wider Caribbean. None of us are strangers to Sir Ronald’s distinguished career in journalism, public service, and international advocacy. I am particularly struck by his publications addressing the challenges faced by small island developing states,” Dr Wesley remarked.
we still would have been under stress because of the change in the markets…,” he said in an interview with Prime News on Friday. “… over time, both the advertising and subscription market fell away because people were so engrossed on their phones and what they can see in live real time, newspapers can only provide the next day, 24
hours after and that became obsolete,” he said. Meanwhile the two major shareholders, Isabelle and Brendan de Caires, children of its founder, David de Caires, in announcing their decision to close the operations noted, “no one becomes a publisher in Guyana to grow rich; it must function as a business.” It was added that the migration of audiences and advertisers to digital platforms, coupled with the realities of operating in a small market, has reshaped the economics of news production in ways that have proven difficult for the print operations to withstand. Speaking at World Radio Day 2026 celebrations at the National Communications Network (NCN), Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) Kwame McCoy said the country continues to benefit from “freedom, media freedom, press freedom.”
“Our press is as free as
the birds can fly and have the ability to fly,” McCoy declared, noting that Guyana now has 22 radio stations and 21 television stations, alongside numerous social media-based media houses. Reacting to news of the announced closure of the newspaper, the Minister said he was saddened.
“It is regrettable to know of the intended closure of Stabroek News by mid-March 2026. It is truly an indication of how porous the global media landscape is and a stark reminder to those in the media business that they must constantly take into consideration evolving their strategy to deal with competitive market forces and changing media dynamics, including the eruption of social media.” McCoy said. Stabroek News was launched in the mid-1980s.
Founder of Stabroek News, David de Caires (Stabroek News photo)
Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond and staff of the ministry and related agencies at the Committee of Supply on Friday
Cuban official decries “massive punishment” by US oil blockade
Cuban diplomat Carlos de Cossio has accused the United States of imposing collective punishment on his country as the Administration of President Donald Trump ramps up pressure to choke the Caribbean island’s access to oil.
In a post on X on Friday, de Cossio, who serves as Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, described the situation from Havana’s perspective.
“To be clear: a. Cuba requires importing fuel. b. The US is applying threats & coercive measures to any country that provides it. c. Lack
of fuel harms transportation, medical services, schooling, energy, production of food, and the standard of living. d. Massive punishment is a crime,” he wrote.
The Fourth Geneva Convention says that “collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are prohibited” under international law.
Cuba relied heavily on oil imports from Venezuela, which have been cut off after the abduction of the country’s leader, Nicolas Maduro, by US forces last month.
After the fall of Maduro, Cuba turned to Mexico for
fuel.
But the White House has threatened to impose “additional tariffs on imports from any country that directly or indirectly provides oil to Cuba”.
The Mexican Government halted the oil supplies to Cuba after the Trump Administration’s threat.
But on Thursday, Mexico sent two ships loaded with humanitarian aid to Cuba.
The US oil blockade comes as the Trump Administration pursues a policy of regional dominance over the Americas. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Police collar husband arrested in connection with 2024 murder of British-Jamaican wife
After more than a year on the run, a man has been arrested and charged in connection with the 2024 murder of his British-Jamaican wife, whose body was found in a shallow grave in Westmoreland in 2024.
The accused is 39-yearold Angrea Morrison, otherwise called “BreddaBredda”, “Ninjaman”, “Badness” and “Andre”. He is a construction worker and vendor with addresses listed in Roaring River in Westmoreland; Deeside in Trelawny; Linstead in St Catherine; and Flanker in St James.
Angrea Morrison and his brother Kemar Morrison were listed as persons of interest in connection to the killing of Angrea’s wife, United Kingdom national Dawn Anderson, whose body had been discovered in a shallow grave in Petersfield, Westmoreland, on December 2, 2024.
The body of 64-year-old businesswoman Dawn Anderson was discovered in a shallow grave in Westmoreland on December 2, 2024
He was formally charged on Wednesday, February 12, after participating in a question-and-answer session in the presence of his attorney.
The charges were laid based on witness statements, and his court date is being finalised. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
Saint Lucia Tourism officials are hailing JetBlue’s decision to add a second nonstop flight from Boston to Saint Lucia, a move they say will ease one of the island’s most pressing challenges: insufficient airlift.
The new service launches Sunday, February 15, 2026, with weekly Saturday departures at 11:40h through April 25.
Saint Lucia Tourism Authority CEO Louis Lewis said the additional flight gives vacationers from Boston and the wider Massachusetts area “twice as many options” to ex-
plore the island this winter. The announcement comes as Saint Lucia continues to grapple with rising visitor demand and a shortage of both flights and hotel rooms.
Business Intelligence Manager Javan Lewis explained the expansion was the result of last year’s airline roadshow, where officials met with carriers including JetBlue, Delta, and American to pitch the destination’s performance.
JetBlue’s decision, he said, reflects both yield and demand from the Boston catchment area.
Global Marketing Head
New ethics report alleges Haitilinked oil funds in CherfilusMcCormick campaign
Anew House Ethics Committee report alleges that more than $800,000 connected to a politically linked Haitian oil company was routed through outside groups to benefit US Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick’s 2022 re-election campaign, according to reporting from the Miami Herald.
The report outlines 27 alleged violations, including claims that funds tied to PetroGaz-Haiti SA were funnelled through a tax-exempt organisation and a now-dissolved entity that investigators describe as shell companies. The entities allegedly paid vendors and consultants who also worked for the congresswoman’s campaign without properly disclosing the spending, the Herald reported.
The Herald also reports that North Miami Beach Mayor Michael Joseph, who chaired one of the organisations, and North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme are referenced in the findings. Desulme, through a political action com-
mittee focused on Haitian American outreach, is accused of coordinating certain expenditures connected to the campaign. Both Mayors have either defended the congresswoman or declined to comment, according to the Herald. Investigators allege the funds originated with PetroGaz-Haiti, which at the time had received millions of dollars from Haiti’s Ministry of Economy and Finance. The ethics committee does not make findings about the company’s ownership but traces the flow of money through political groups that supported Cherfilus-McCormick’s re-election effort.
Cherfilus-McCormick has denied wrongdoing and is scheduled to appear before a House ethics panel in March. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)
BVI Government revives 2018 plastic-ban plan
More than seven years after a green light from the British Virgin Islands (BVI)’s Cabinet, the Government is moving ahead with two long-delayed measures to curb plastic waste: a ban on certain single-use plastics and a deposit-return system for beverage containers.
Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley on Monday announced a national consultation on the two proposals, which he described as “key actions” aimed at reducing plastic trash and expanding recycling across the territory.
“From our beaches and reefs to our guts and neighbourhoods, the natural beauty of the Virgin Islands sustains our health, our livelihoods and our tourism economy,” Mr Wheatley said. “Yet
say a
on certain types of
every day, plastic waste places growing pressure on our land, our seas and our waste management systems.”
He also pointed to other impacts residents are routinely seeing from the problem.
“When drains and gulleys are blocked, flooding increases,” he said. “When plastics enter our marine environ-
ment, our reefs, fisheries and coastlines suffer. When waste is burnt or dumped illegally, public health is put at risk.” Mr Wheatley described the two proposals as urgent, though he did not mention that Cabinet approved both in 2018 under the Government of then-premier Dr Orlando Smith. (Excerpt from The BVI Beacon)
Trump says he will visit Venezuela, has a “very good” relationship with the interim President
Dexter Percil credited the early rollout of the “Come to Your Senses” campaign for driving bookings, noting strong returns from September through December.
The campaign highlights Saint Lucia’s romance and soft adventure appeal, with wellness promotion set to intensify later this winter as new resorts come online.
While the added flight is a win for connectivity, officials acknowledge that hotel capacity remains a bottleneck. However, new properties such as LifeCo by A’ila are expected to help. (St Lucia Times)
President Donald Trump on Friday said the United States’ relationship with Venezuela is “very good” and that he plans to visit the country.
Trump’s praise for Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, follows the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January and comes as the Trump Administration is trying to boost oil deals in the country.
“I’m going to make a visit to Venezuela,” Trump told reporters at the White House, although he did not share any additional details.
“We have a very good relationship with the President
of Venezuela,” Trump said, noting the United States is “working together very closely” with Rodriguez on access to oil.
“The relationship we have right now with Venezuela, I would say, is a 10,” Trump added.
Asked by Reuters if he will recognise Rodriguez as the official Government, Trump responded, “Yeah, we have done that. We are dealing with them, and really right now they have done a great job.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the official US stance towards Rodriguez’s Government has
changed.
Trump Administration officials in recent weeks made clear that the US did not recognise Rodriguez’s interim Government as legitimate.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Venezuela on Thursday said Rodriguez is the “interim President” working with the United States. Wright, in a CNN interview, said the US will not “tell Delcy what her future role” is in potential future elections, calling that decision up to the Venezuelan people.
For her part, Rodriguez, in an NBC News interview this week, called Maduro the “legitimate President” of Venezuela. (Reuters)
US Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
Officials
ban
plastics and a deposit-return system for beverage containers would help reduce the pressure on the landfill at Pockwood Pond (shown above in 2021)
Around the World
OIL NEWS
OPEC+ leans towards resumption in oil output increases from April, sources say
OPEC+ is leaning towards a resumption in oil output increases from April, three OPEC+ sources said, as the group prepares for peak summer demand and price strength is bolstered by tensions over US-Iran relations.
The resumption would allow OPEC leader Saudi Arabia and fellow members, such as the UAE, to regain market share at a time other OPEC+ members, such as Russia and Iran, contend with Western sanctions and Kazakh output is restrained by a series of setbacks.
Eight OPEC+ producers – Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Iraq, Algeria and Oman – meet on March 1.
The eight members raised production quotas by about 2.9 million barrels per day from April to the end of December 2025, equating to about three per cent of global demand, and froze further planned increases for January through March 2026 because of seasonally weaker consumption.
The Brent crude benchmark is trading near US$68 a barrel despite speculation that a supply glut would suppress prices this year. That’s not far from a six-month high of US$71.89 hit in January on tensions between the United States and Iran. (Reuters)
CEO of Dubai’s largest port replaced after ties to Epstein revealed
The head of one of the world’s largest port operators has been removed from his position, following revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein files about the extent of his ties to the convicted sex offender.
On Friday, Dubai’s Government media office announced in a statement that it had appointed a new chairman of the board of directors and a new CEO of the company, DP World, replacing Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, one of the Middle East’s most prominent business figures. The company, which is overseen by Dubai’s ruling family, operates ports in the Gulf and all over the world.
Bin Sulayem’s ties to Epstein were well publicised during the newest release of Epstein files by the Justice Department. According to a department spokesperson, Bin Sulayem’s name appears in the files more than 4700 times.
World’s rules-based order “no longer exists”, Germany’s Merz warns
The rules-based world order “no longer exists”, the German Chancellor has warned at a major security summit.
Opening the annual Munich Security Conference, Friedrich Merz told other world leaders that “our freedom is not guaranteed” in an era of big power politics and that Europeans must be ready to make “sacrifice”.
He also admitted that “a deep divide has opened between Europe and the United States”.
The conference is taking place against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump threatening Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland by pledging to annex the Arctic territory and his tariffs on imports from European nations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was listening to Merz and will deliver his own speech on Saturday, earlier spoke of a “new era in geopolitics”.
Some 50 world leaders are expected to attend this year’s conference, where European defence and the future of the transatlan-
tic relationship will be discussed.
It comes at a time when US commitments to the NATO military alliance have been called into question. Trump’s ambition to acquire Greenland has also been viewed by many European leaders as a watershed moment that has
eroded trust with their biggest ally.
Trump told reporters outside the White House on Friday, “Greenland’s gonna want us... We get along very well with Europe. We’ll see how it works out. We’re negotiating right now for Greenland.”
Referring to multiple warnings that the rulesbased order was collapsing, Merz told the conference, “I fear we must put it even more bluntly: this order, however imperfect it was even at its best, no longer exists in that form.”
He also said that “a rift, a deep divide, has opened between Europe and the United States. Vice-President JD Vance said this very openly here in Munich a year ago.”
(Excerpt from BBC News)
US moves second carrier to Middle East as Iran tensions build
The Pentagon is sending an aircraft carrier from the Caribbean to the Middle East, US officials said on Friday, a move that would put two carriers in the region as tensions soar between the United States and Iran.
The Gerald R Ford carrier, the United States’ new-
est and the world’s largest carrier, has been operating in the Caribbean with its escort ships and took part in operations in Venezuela earlier this year.
Asked why a second aircraft carrier was headed to the Middle East, US President Donald Trump said, “In case we don’t make
a deal, we’ll need it... if we need it, we’ll have it ready.”
One of the officials, who was speaking on condition of anonymity, said the carrier would take at least a week to reach the Middle East.
The Gerald R Ford will join the Abraham Lincoln carrier, several guided-missile destroyers, fighter jets and surveillance aircraft that have been moved to the Middle East in recent weeks. The United States most recently had two aircraft carriers in the area last year, when it carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear sites in June. (Excerpt from Reuters)
University expels student who called for accountability over Hong Kong fire
AHong Kong university student who had called for accountability over a deadly fire at an apartment complex in the city has been expelled by the school for disciplinary offences.
In one email from Bin Sulayem to Epstein, he asked Epstein, “Where are you?
“Are you ok? I loved the torture video.” In a separate email exchange, Epstein called bin Sulayem “one of my most trusted friends in every sense of the word” and added that “I greatly appreciate the time we spend together.”
“Thank you, my friend. I am off to sample a fresh 100 per cent female Russian at my yacht,” Bin Sulaymen replied to Epstein.
Documents indicate the relationship between the men dates back to the early 2000s and involved consulting each other for business input and arranging meetings with influential people, including former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew), and investor Tom Barrack, who is now the ambassador to Turkey. (Excerpt from CBS News)
Miles Kwan, a politics student, was detained for two nights by the city’s national security police last year for “seditious intent” after handing out flyers calling for an independent investigation into a fire that killed 168 people in November.
Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), conducted a disciplinary review and referred the case to a student discipline committee.
The committee decided to terminate him from studies on Thursday due to “multiple acts of misconduct”, according to a letter from the university.
ciplinary actions may be terminated from studies.
Kwan, 24, said the university did not penalise him for the arrest in November 2025.
Kwan said he had completed his studies and was to graduate in March.
After he was released on bail, his school, the
CUHK said in a statement on Friday that it would not comment on individual cases, adding that a student who is given three demerits due to dis -
“It is shameful of CUHK to use graduation certificates to suppress its former students,” he said in a statement. “You can take away qualifications, but you can’t take away dignity.” (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Russia, Ukraine to hold more talks in Geneva next week
Russian and Ukrainian envoys are set to engage in a new round of United States-brokered talks next week in Geneva as the war approaches the four-year mark with no apparent compromises on territory in sight.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that the trilateral talks, which follow two ear-
lier rounds in Abu Dhabi, would be held on February 17-18, according to the RIA Novosti news agency.
The new round of negotiations was confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s communications adviser, Dmytro Lytvyn.
As fighting continues along the roughly 1250-kilometre front line, with Moscow keeping up its as-
sault on Ukraine’s power grid and Kyiv launching long-range attacks on war-related targets like oil refineries, the future of Ukraine’s Donbas industrial heartland remains a major bone of contention.
Russia is pushing for Ukraine to pull out of the fifth of the eastern Donetsk region in the Donbas that it still controls. Ukraine, for its part, has rejected a uni-
lateral pullback and wants Western security guarantees to deter Russia from relaunching its offensive if a ceasefire is reached. Zelenskyy said last week that the US had given the warring parties a June deadline to reach a deal, though US President Donald Trump’s previous ultimatums have not resulted in a breakthrough. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, former chairman and CEO of Dubai’s DP World (left), with Jeffrey Epstein, in May 2014
Miles Kwan was part of a group behind a petition demanding an independent investigation after the fire that killed 168 people
SUDOKU
Engaging in physical activity will help quell the emotional anxiety that’s brewing. Discipline, willpower and using your strengths to navigate your way forward will benefit you the most.
Cozy downtime will invite talks that offer something to look forward to. Opportunity is more readily available than you realize. A suggestion will tweak your imagination.
Lend a helping hand, offer your skills or donate to a foundation that supports something you believe in. Don’t hold back if someone you come across interests you; make the first move.
You’ll find what others say or do misleading. Don’t hesitate to be bold and ask direct questions. Personal connections, love and romance are all favored, so dig deep and see what transpires.
A reunion will lead to romantic sparks. Explore the possibilities and engage in social events that interest you, and something magical will unfold. A greater show of affection will play in your favor.
Sort out mixed emotions through honest communication. You are overdue for a change, a commitment or something that inspires you to get on with your life and long-term plans.
Get in the mood, socialize and take your sparkle to the party. Engage in talks, make your moves and bask in the magic of the evening. Live in the moment and see what transpires.
Negativity will lead to unwanted change. Bring your lighter side to any conversation that develops, and you’ll avoid feeling vulnerable. It’s a time to be considerate, not forceful or demanding.
Don’t overload your plate with promises you’ll never keep. It’s OK to take a back seat and let someone else make the first move. Be fun to be around, and everyone will want to hang out with you.
Your charm will captivate and draw attention if you host a gathering or participate in activities you enjoy. Love and romance are looming. Live in the moment and enjoy.
Keep your finger on the pulse, and you’ll not lose sight of your goal. Balance and equality are your best choices if you require outside acceptance, help or funding.
To make a difference, follow through. Network, socialize and share your thoughts with people who can contribute to what you are trying to achieve. Let your charm kick in and attract those you want by your side.
ARCHIE
Mukkamalla’s 79, Harmeet’s four-for lead USA’s trouncing of Netherlands
Afired-up USA kept their T20 World Cup campaign alive with a thumping victory, their first over the Netherlands in men’s T20Is. After boundary-laden efforts from Saiteja Mukkamalla and Shubham Ranjane powered USA to 196, Harmeet Singh led the spinners’ charge to reduce Netherlands to 66 for 5 on a pitch that offered turn and purchase for slower deliveries. The Netherlands then lost 5 for 28 in the end for a 93-run hammering, mea-
Intent from the USA’s top order
Even though Captain Monank asked his top order at the toss to take five to ten deliveries before taking off, Shayan Jahangir disobeyed by taking the aerial route in the first over with his captain watching at the other end. Jahangir pulled two sixes off short balls in his first five balls for a flying start before being bowled for a 13-ball 20 by Klein. Monank took the responsibility upon himself to keep the run rate soaring and started with a textbook straight dri-
USA got things going as soon as they were asked to bat. Once openers Shayan Jahangir and Monank Patel set the tone with early intent for boundaries, Mukkamalla’s 79 off 51 balls led USA’s innings for nearly 14 overs, with the run rate nearly touching 10 an over. Ranjane then came out all guns blazing in the death overs and set a total the Netherlands had never chased before in a T20 World Cup.
USA’s spinners then put the pressure on the Netherlands from the getgo. Once Nosthush Kenjige struck in the second over, Harmeet ran through them once he came on in the powerplay to finish with 4 for 21, his second four-for in T20Is.
against pace and spin, all while looking steady and ele-gant at the crease. Monank himself belted three fours and a six at the other end until a short and slow knuckleball from Bas de Leede foxed him completely for a catch for the wic-
ketkeeper.
Mukkamalla, meanwhile, took off from 25 off 20
that saw two lofted strokes off van der Merwe and two late cuts against Klaassen.
balls at one stage with four fours in his next five balls
The six he smashed off Klein over the covers for his 30ball fifty stamped his authority further on the bowlers, who all looked at sea. Sanjay Krishnamurthi was also deceived by a slower one that resulted in shat-tered stumps even as Mukkamalla kept the boundaries coming and was joined by Ranjane. Fresh off his quickfire 51 against Pakistan when he took down Shaheen Shah Afridi, Ranjane showed his range of strokes behind the wicket as the Netherlands quicks refused to offer any pace with their range of cutters. That got them two
boundary-less overs, the 16th and 17th, as they went for just 12 runs, including Mukkamalla’s wicket for 79.
Ranjane kept shuffling to the off side in anticipation of short and slow balls, which he kept dispatching with slog sweeps, pulls and flicks for 14 runs off the 18th and 13 runs off the 19th over. Logan van Beek conceded just nine runs in the last, but the USA had managed a steep total by then.
most no answers for the USA bowlers once Kenjige bowled Michael Levitt in the second over with one that kept very low. Harmeet came on in the fifth over with de Leede attacking and struck in consecutive overs with his share of luck when he had Max O’Dowd and de Leede hand catches off short and wide deliveries to reduce the Netherlands to 53 for 4.
But Harmeet soon found his rhythm. He largely stuck to a stump-to-stump line thereafter and varied his pace from early to late 80kph, and that helped him rattle Scott Edwards’ stumps and trap van der Merwe lbw. The asking rate had shot up over 12 runs an over at the halfway mark, and the Netherlands could never recover. As cutters and slower ones were being rewarded on this pitch, it was only apt that Shadley van Schalkwyk picked three more wickets to add to his two four-fors in the first two games. His wobble-seam delivery early on accounted for Colin Ackermann in the powerplay, his leg cutter went through Aryan Dutt, and he wrapped things up in the 16th over to stretch his lead at the top of the wicket-taking charts with his tally of 11 wickets. (ESPNCricinfo)
Bas de Leede c Patel
b Harmeet Singh 23
Colin Ackermann c Ranjane b van Schalkwyk 0 Scott Edwards (c)†
b Harmeet Singh 20
Zach Lion-Cachet
b Mohammad Mohsin 6
Roelof van der Merwe lbw
b Harmeet Singh 10 Logan van Beek
b Mohammad Mohsin 2
Aryan Dutt b van Schalkwyk 9
Kyle Klein not out 6 Fred Klaassen c Milind Kumar b van Schalkwyk
USA gets their first win of the tournament
Saiteja Mukkamalla top scored for the game
Harmeet Singh was impressive on the night
Muzarabani, Evans, Bennett slay Australia
Zimbabwe remained undefeated against Australia in T20 World Cups after a career-best bowling display from Blessing Muzarabani, key strikes from Brad Evans, and a gutsy 64 not out from Brian Bennett helped orchestrate a stunning 23-run win in Colombo and throw Group B into chaos.
Muzarabani took 4 for 17 from four overs, ripping out the top order alongside Evans in the powerplay – Evans took 3 for 23
– as Australia never really looked close to chasing Zimbabwe’s impressive 169 for 2 down that had been set up by even contributions from the top four on a slow pitch.
Matt Renshaw’s 65 off 44 gave Australia hope, but on top of the polished display with bat and ball, Zimbabwe also fielded superbly to restrict Australia and threaten their T20 World Cup Super 8 hopes.
Australia’s decision to bowl first on a fresh pitch in the daytime will be scrutinised. There were mo-ments when Bennett’s 56-ball innings looked like it might have been slower than required, but powerful contributions from Tadiwanashe Marumani, Ryan Burl and Sikandar Raza ensured it was more than enough, as Australia managed to take just two wickets in 20 overs.
The win was even more impressive after Zimbabwe lost the hero of their last T20 World Cup victory against Australia, Brendan Taylor, for the tournament because of a hamstring injury.
Zimbabwe are now on the verge of qualifying for the Super Eight stage, while Australia must defeat both Sri Lanka and
Oman in Pallekele to ensure safe passage through to the next phase.
Marumani quick off the blocks Marumani hit the accelerator up front, thumping 35 off 21 to offset a slow start by Bennett.
Australia’s decision to bowl looked a good one in the first two overs as Ben Dwarshuis and Marcus Stoinis extracted swing and bounce from the tacky fresh pitch in the early morning conditions. Zimbabwe did not strike a boundary in the opening two overs.
But Marumani cut loose thereafter, thrashing two short balls from Dwarshuis to the rope and
then unfurling two outstanding reverse sweeps and a conventional sweep off Maxwell. He eventually fell to Stoinis, who bowled a superb spell, but the innings was critical in the context of the game.
Bennett and Burl bat sensibly Zimbabwe were 79 for 1 at the halfway stage, and there was discussion in the dressing room of 190 being on the cards. But Sikandar Raza recalled the experience of the 2025 tour to Sri Lanka and called for steady heads. A message was sent out to Bennett and Burl to play with control.
They neutralised Adam Zampa, who had done so much damage against
Ireland. Bennett cut him neatly behind the point to find the rope after biffing Dwarshuis down on the ground. Burl switchhit Matt Kuhnemann over point, but otherwise they kept the ball on the ground and played smartly. Bennett raised his tenth T20I half-century, and his first in a World Cup, off 43 balls.
Burl did more damage than just the 35 off 30. A fierce straight drive hit Stoinis on the hand and took him out of the attack after just 2.5 overs when he had been Australia’s best bowler. It also affected Stoinis’ batting later on. Burl fell next ball to Cameron Green. But it brought in Raza, whose late-innings flurry was vital. He smashed two fours and a six off the last ball of the innings to make 25 not out off of 13 to post an impressive total of 169 for 2.
The Blessing and Brad Show
While Australia took just two wickets in 20 overs, they lost four in 4.3 of the chase as Muzarabani and Evans ran through them with disciplined line and length bowling and excellent field placement. Mu-zarabani used his extra height and bounce to have both Josh Inglis and Tim David caught while cramped trying to pull.
Inglis holed out in the deep while David, on return from injury, spooned a catch to short fine for a second-ball duck. That followed Green’s second ball off Evans after he edged behind trying to square drive on the up to a ball that skidded through on a tight line. Travis Head was well held at the other end with Evans giving him
no width from around the wicket. Eventually, Head tried to drive on the up only to get a thick inside edge that ran off his pad back onto the stumps.
Renshaw and Maxwell can’t salvage it It was tailor-made for Maxwell to produce another World Cup miracle, but it was Renshaw who carried Australia close, but they ultimately fell well short. Maxwell struggled for timing in his 31 off 32. Two outstanding pieces of fielding from Tony Munyonga and substitute Clive Madande on the rope robbed him of seven runs.
Renshaw, meanwhile, picked up where he left off against Ireland, playing with control and placement, mixing sweeps and drives to accumulate at
a strike rate of 147.72 in challenging conditions. The pair’s 77-run stand was broken when a tired Maxwell dragged Burl on to the stumps. Stoinis holed out short-ly after, clearly inhibited by his injured hand. Munyonga then took a screamer at deep midwicket to remove Dwarshuis. Renshaw’s first T20I half-century was in vain, and all Australia’s hopes were extin-guished when he was deceived by a brilliant Muzarabani slower ball only to sky a catch to mid-off in the 19th over. Muzarabani hit the base of Nathan Ellis’s leg stump to bag a fourth before Kuhnemann was run out by Evans in the final over to spark huge celebrations by the Zimbabwe team and fans in the stands.
3.3-0-23-3 Dion Myers 1-0-9-0 Graeme Cremer 4-0-33-0
Wellington Masakadza 4-0-36-1 Ryan Burl 1-0-9-1
Brad Evans celebrates after taking a wicket
Blessing Muzarabani joins the 100-wicket club in Men’s T20Is
Matt Renshaw played a fighting innings
Wilson returns as President; Rogers retained as GS
…As three women elected at GAPLF AGM
The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) successfully hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Racket Centre, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.
When the meeting was called to order, over 30 registered members were in attendance. Franklin Wilson, who did not seek re-election less than a year ago, was returned unopposed to the presidency, reaffirming the confidence of the membership in his leadership.
Wilson’s executive team for the new term includes Gordon Spencer as Vice President and Roger Rogers as General Secretary, both retaining their positions, as did Bjorn Williams, Committee Member.
ity.
“Our athletes must come first,” he emphasised, outlining his commitment to ensuring that the federation’s decisions and programmes are centred on athlete development and welfare. Performing duties as the Returning Officer was Mrs Safrana CameronBaird.
Kiana Benjamin is back as Treasurer, along with Public Relations Officer/ Organising Secretary, Denroy Livan. Completing the executive body are the two new committee members, Lisa Oudit and Nedisha Tinnis. This body will guide the federation’s activities and strategic direction for the coming year.
In brief remarks following the election, President
Wilson expressed sincere gratitude to outgoing President Paul Meusa for his stewardship and contributions during his tenure. Wilson acknowledged that the sport’s image had suffered major setbacks and pledged to make its restoration his immediate prior-
Looking ahead, Wilson shared his vision for expanding powerlifting throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. His plan includes taking the sport to communities and schools, thereby encouraging greater youth involvement and building a strong foundation for future talent.
He also underscored the importance of engaging corporate Guyana to get on board, noting that partnerships and sponsorships will be vital to sustaining growth and providing opportunities for athletes.
He commended the Government of Guyana, and by extension the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission, for their continued support and recognising the need to invest in a building and high-performance centre which will further bolster the sports’ development, noting that it’s a much-needed pillar which will add to the federation’s quest for hosting
regional and international competitions.
With renewed leadership and a clear mandate, the GAPLF is poised to strengthen its foundation, broaden participation, and elevate the profile of powerlifting nationwide. The federation remains committed to fostering discipline, resilience, and excellence among athletes, while ensuring the sport continues to thrive across Guyana.
TG Titans hold nerve to win Ogle Cricket Club tournament
Alast-ball win from the Tourism Guyana Titans cricket team ended a day of intense action as the Ogle Cricket Club held a one-day Invitational T10 tournament at their ground on the East Coast of Demerara.
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Singh Trading, Unisource, AAA Transportation, Platinum Engineering, Regal Stationery & Computer Centre, and S&S Broking, the Titans were in fine cricketing touch as the sun set.
The TG Titans, one of the four teams that formed part of the competition, needed two runs off the last ball to bring home the trophy and achieved it, much to the pleasure of their fans.
Set 81 to win by The Other
Guys – the other finalist – the titans went about their batting methodically, with the opening pair of Fiaz Yamin and Vivian Beckles putting on 22 before the first wicket fell.
Yamin, playing the supporting role, fell for two, caught off the bowling of Steve Baul with the ultimate ball of the second over, bringing Guyana’s Ronaldo Ali Mohamad to the middle.
But when Ali Mohamed
Tudor agrees to a deal to become Spurs’ interim boss
Igor Tudor has agreed to a deal to become Tottenham’s interim head coach until the end of the season.
Thomas Frank was sacked earlier this week, with Spurs five points above the relegation places. Sources told BBC Sport that Spurs wanted an interim manager in place for the players’ return to training on Monday.
Tudor has been out of work since being sacked by Juventus in October 2025 following an eight-match winless run, leaving the club eighth in Serie A. The 47-year-old has had a varied managerial career, having had stints at Lazio, Marseille, Galatasaray and Udinese, among others.
BBC Sport understands Tudor’s experience of making an immediate impact at previous clubs was a contributing factor to his appointment. He led hometown club
Croatian side Trogir and Italian outfit Siena. Part of the Croatia squad that was knocked out of the 1998 World Cup at the semi-final stage, he and the team eventually finished third.
Tottenham had several potential short-term options on their radar, with former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and exRed Bull Leipzig boss Marco Rose among them. Tudor could be considered for the job on a permanent basis if he impresses in the role.
Hajduk Split to the Croatian Cup in 2013 to win his only trophy as a manager.
During a nine-year stint as a player with Juventus, he won Serie A twice and finished runner-up in the 2003 Champions League final.
Tudor started his career with Hajduk Split and returned to the club before retiring, aged 30, in 2008, due to problems with his ankle. He also had loan spells with
But former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is a candidate to permanently replace Frank, and his contract with the United States men’s national team expires after this summer’s World Cup.
Roberto de Zerbi is another potential candidate, having left French club Marseille by mutual consent earlier this week. (BBC Sport)
fell for nil to Nyles Liverpool three runs later with the score on 25, the Titans were beginning to sweat.
This brought the veteran skipper Annad Bharrat.
Together, Bharrat and Beckles set about rebuilding the innings, adding 46 more runs before the latter departed, caught off the bowling of Beepaul Bhandoo for a punchy 32.
Bhandoo would go on to complete his hat-trick with the next two balls, Marlon Bhole and Carl Kumar both falling for ducks as the Titans were really in a spot of bother, falling from 71-2 to 71-5.
Eventually, Akash Singh (2*) and Bharrat (39*) brought the game home, as the Titans registered the tournament win by five wickets.
Bhandoo finished with three for two from one over, with Liverpool and Baul picking up the other two wickets.
Earlier, the Titans bowlers, led by Ali Mohamed, restricted The Other Guys to 81 for 6 off their allotted 10.
Ali Mohamed, with 2 for 16 off two, along with Singh and Bhole, who both used their two overs to snag a wicket each with 13 and 20 runs, respectively, held their own.
28 from Steve Gaskin and 19 from Azad Ali were the mainstays of The Other Guys’ performance.
In the opening game of the day, the TG Titans crushed the Mystic Marvels by eight wickets and 3.4 overs to spare.
Opting to bat after winning the toss, the Marvels were almost bundled out for 68, the last pair holding on to see the overs out.
23 for Derek Persaud and 11 for Rickey Sargent were the top scores on the Mystic Marvels side, as four players failed to come off the mark.
Three for eight off two for Ali Mohamed and 3 for 11 off two for Bhole were the chief destroyers, with Akash Singh picking up 2 for 11 off two.
In their chance with the bat, the Titans lost opener Shayne Seebarran for a duck, which brought Ali Mohamed to the crease, and later lost Yamin for four with the score on 22.
Ali Mohmaed (56*) and Beckles (3*) brought the game home with 3.4 overs to spare.
In the other game, the Other Guys beat Bell Air Rubis by 11 runs thanks to a 43* from Kevin Boodie and a 10* from Sagar Hitramani, which gave them 80-4 in their allotted 10.
There was a wicket each for Mahendra Jeenarine, Raj Singh, Kevin Leitch and Riyad Latiff.
In response, the Rubis side could only muster 67 for
7 thanks to 16 from Andy
and 14*
GAPLF President Franklin Wilson (4th from right) is flanked by (from right) Denroy Livan, Lisa Oudit, Gordon Spencer, Nedisha Tinnis, Roger Rogers, Kiana Benjamin, and Bjorn Williams
A look at the proceedings during the GAPLF’s AGM on Thursday
Igor Tudor began his managerial career with Hajduk Split in 2013
Hall
from Travis Persaud. Hiteramani and Liverpool had two wickets each.
TG Titans with the winning trophy from the Ogle Cricket Club Invitational T10 tournament
Motie, Joseph snapped up in PSL auction
Guyanese duo Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie, along with Johnson Charles, are the three West Indians purchased in the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) auction.
Charles was snapped up for PKR 2 crore, while Motie and Joseph went for 1.1 crore. Motie will turn out for Lahore Qalandars, while Joseph is expected to play for Islamabad United.
The likes of Kyle Mayers, Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales, Odean Smith, Evin Lewis, Brandon King, and Alzarri Joseph went unsold at the PSL auction.
Steve Smith became the most expensive signing in Pakistan Super League history in the recently concluded PSL 2026 auction. The veteran Australian batter secured a deal worth PKR 14 crore, joining the new franchise Sialkot Stallions in the 11th edition of PSL.
Smith was acquired for approximately US$500,000 as a direct signing. He is cur-
rently replacing the injured Mitchell Marsh in Australia’s ICC T20 World Cup squad.
New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell was one of the highest-paid overseas signings at the PSL 2026 auction, going to Rawalpindi for PKR 8.05 crore. David Warner (PKR 7.9 crore) and Mark Chapman (PKR 7 crore) were the other most sought-after players in the event.
The PSL player auction in Lahore replaced the decade-old draft format. Eight franchises signed 103 play-
ers.
The PCB also expanded the league from six to eight teams. Two new franchises, Sialkot and Hyderabad, joined after overseas Pakistani businessmen purchased their rights for PKR 185 crore and PKR 175 crore, respectively. Multan Sultans was rebranded as Rawalpindi after a change in ownership.
The Pakistan Super League 2026 will run from March 26 to May 3.
“Mash Cup” slated for kickoff tonight
Excitement is building along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) as the highly anticipated East Coast Mash Cup Inter-Village Football Finals kick off tonight, Saturday, February 14 at the Golden Grove Ground, East Coast Demerara.
In a thrilling “winners take all” showdown, four proud villages will battle for ultimate bragging rights and championship glory in what promises to be an electrifying night of football and community spirit.
The action begins at 19:00h when Plaisance Village will face off against Mahaica Village in what is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter. Both
teams have fought hard to reach the finals, showcasing skill, determination and strong community backing throughout the tournament. Fans can expect a fast-paced clash as the two sides leave everything on the field in pursuit of victory.
At 22:00h, the excitement will continue as Buxton Village takes on Golden Grove Village under the lights. With hometown pride on the line for Golden Grove, supporters are expected to turn out in large numbers to cheer their team on. Buxton, however, will be equally determined to silence the home crowd and claim the coveted title.
Organisers are promis-
Windies Women kick off series against Sri Lanka with crucial ODI contest
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that the West Indies Women’s One Day International (ODI) squad will host Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series from February 20 to 25 at the National Cricket Stadium in St George’s, Grenada.
The series marks a crucial milestone in the team’s bid to rise up the rankings during the cur-
of their 2025 commitments, including the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Pakistan, as well as subsequent series in England followed by the home series against South Africa.
CWI Director Miles Bascombe expressed his delight at hosting the start of the Maroon Warriors’ international assignments for 2026, saying, “This home series is a cornerstone event,
rent International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Championship, as they build toward future ODI series against Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Pakistan later this year.
ing more than just football. Patrons are encouraged to come out and enjoy a night filled with fun, entertainment and community celebration. The finals are expected to draw supporters from across the East Coast, creating a vibrant atmosphere befitting the Mashramani season.
With everything on the line and no second chances, tonight’s finals are set to deliver high-intensity action, dramatic moments and unforgettable memories.
Football fans are urged to arrive early, support their villages and witness firsthand who will emerge victorious when winners take all at the East Coast Mash Cup Inter-Village Football Finals.
Hayley Matthews will Captain the side, having fully recovered from the shoulder injury that side-lined her last June and caused her to miss the Women’s Caribbean Premier League.
She will be supported by newly appointed Vice Captain Chinelle Henry, who takes over the role from veteran wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle.
Henry’s promotion recognises her growing leadership qualities and consistent performances, both for the West Indies and in franchise leagues across the world, marking a new chapter in the team’s leadership structure.
The Maroon Warriors also welcome back all-rounder Deandra Dottin into the fold after injury kept her away from the team for much
not just for team preparation but for the continued elevation of women’s cricket across the Caribbean. Every match played here is an investment in our future. It is about providing a visible, high-performance pathway that shows every young woman in the region what is possible, and we are committed to the mission of growing the game at every level, and series like this are essential to that mission.”
“We are thrilled to have Chinelle Henry as our new Vice Captain to support Captain Hayley Matthews in leading the side and express our thanks to Shemaine Campbelle, who previously held the Vice Captaincy. Playing in front of our home fans in Grenada adds a profound layer of significance, so we want our team to feel the pride of the Maroon legacy and feed off that energy to inspire the next generation of West Indies stars.”
Head Coach Shane Deitz is relishing the challenge of
facing Sri Lanka and says the squad is eager to make the most of home conditions.
“We’re excited to have this series against Sri Lanka, who are a really good team. They beat us in the ODI series in Sri Lanka back in 2024, so we owe them one, and now we get them on our home turf.”
“We’re looking forward to a brilliant series against a team currently ranked higher than us in ODIs, so it’ll be tough and hard fought. The girls are excited about competing, putting on a good show and playing some great cricket for all our fans here in the Caribbean.”
Sri Lanka are ranked sixth in ODIs compared to the West Indies at nine. The regional side has been steadily building capacity ahead of upcoming international assignments both at home and away, and their training was supplemented with two high-performance camps in Antigua last year, one in August and the other, an eight-week camp, held from October to December.
Additionally, fifteen of the region’s female cricketers, who are a part of the wider women’s player pool, embarked on a specialised training camp last August at the Super Kings Academy in Chennai, India.
Guyana’s Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie have landed gigs at the Pakistan Super League (PSL)
Plaisance Village will be looking to go all the way
West Indies will be looking to climb up the rankings with a strong ODI performance
Guyanese Realeanna Grimmond will be looking to make her mark on the upcoming series
GHE’s Regional Four-Day title defence to be held in Antigua
-
ABCA President confirms
The Guyana Harpy
Eagles will commence their Regional FourDay title defence in Antigua starting in April. The entire tournament will be played in Antigua, and the proposed date for the tournament to commence is April 10, 2026.
This was confirmed by the President of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA), Leon Rodney, who said the development is a diversion from the original plan to host only the first three rounds of matches here before moving
to Trinidad for the final two rounds.
“The CWI Four-Day tournament, where the first three rounds of matches were supposed to be played here in Antigua; and when I say the first three rounds of matches, I mean all the matches. So, the six teams would assemble in Antigua and would have been here for maybe a month or so because they will play the four days and then rest. I think it’s one or two days, just like if you were travelling, and then play and then rest again
The West Indies cricket team will look to seal their place in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup when they face Nepal in their third group encounter on Sunday at 01:30h.
The Caribbean side has enjoyed a commanding start to their campaign, registering impressive victories over Scotland and England in their opening two matches. Those back-to-back wins have placed them in a strong position in the group standings, but the players and management remain grounded as they prepare for their next challenge.
and then play. Now it is confirmed that all five rounds of matches will be played here in Antigua,” he said.
Three venues – Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Coolidge Cricket Grounds, and the historic Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG) – are earmarked to host matches in the regional tournament starting April 10 and running until June.
Rodney said the country will also host the CWI Rising Stars Under-15 Championships over the Easter weekend in early
West Indies Eye Super 8 Spot Ahead of Nepal Clash
Speaking ahead of the fixture, West Indies captain Shai Hope emphasised the importance of maintaining focus despite the team’s positive momentum.
“Like I said before, it’s the World Cup. Any team in this tournament can beat any other one on a day. So we’ve got to ensure we’re still executing the way we need to. The planning must be there, once again, not taking anyone lightly. We understand the importance of every single game, even though we gave ourselves a nice position to be in. But still, we’ve got to ensure we’re planning the same way, we’re executing the same way against Nepal,” Hope said. His comments reflect a clear understanding of the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where a single performance can dramatically alter
tournament fortunes. While Nepal may enter the contest as underdogs, they have shown flashes of promise and will be eager to cause an upset on the global stage.
For the West Indies, consistency with both bat and ball has been central to their early success. Their aggressive top-order batting and disciplined bowling performances have allowed them to dictate terms in crucial phases of matches. Maintaining that balance will be key as the pressure of knockout qualification looms.
A victory on Sunday would all but confirm the Caribbean side’s passage to the Super 8, strengthening their ambitions of lifting another T20 world title. For now, however, the focus remains firmly on preparation and execution, one match at a time.
With confidence high but complacency firmly in check, the West Indies will step onto the field knowing that another professional performance could bring them one step closer to Super 8 qualification.
April.
“So, you know that Antigua has been the host venue for the West Indies Under-15 tournament for the last three years, so that tournament comes up here in Antigua, the CWI Under-15 tournament comes up here in Antigua, and that will be hosted here in Antigua again, but I hope my memory is right when one day there [is] no international,” he said.
The core of the Guyana Harpy Eagles players has commenced preparation for
the tournament as captain Tevin Imlach continues to build his legacy.
The Guyana Harpy Eagles won the four-day
championship for the past three seasons, while Barbados won the Rising Stars Under-15 title.
MTI decimates GSA as MODEC tertiary football continues
Asolitary encounter at the Number Five Ground, West Coast Berbice (WCB), turned into a goal fest on Thursday afternoon as the Mahaicony Technical Institute (MTI) walked all over the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA).
Utilising their homecourt advantage, MTI’s Tyrel Delph stunned his opponents with an early opening goal in just the second minute. Thereafter, Omar Williams went on to thrill the smattering of spectators with a hat trick in the 17th, 20th and 21st minutes, pushing the lead to 4-0.
However, GSA’s Dexter Spencer gave his team some hope with a 24th-minute strike, followed by another goal from his teammate Shondel Antoine in the 30th, making for a 4-2 score.
Before the half could expire, Winton Hartman registered a double in the 35th and 45th minutes, while Niron Thom netted in the 40th, leaving the score at 7-2 by the break.
When the action resumed, Thom capped off his brace with a 60th-minute strike, while Delph completed his hat-trick in the 80th and 82nd minutes. Dexter McPhie added another goal to GSA’s tally in the 58th, but it was not
enough to soften the blow of the 10-3 drubbing.
The Mitsui Ocean Development & Engineering Company Inc (MODEC) Tertiary Education Football action continues tomorrow, Saturday, February 14, at various venues. On the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), the Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre (LT&VTC) takes on the Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI).
Meanwhile, at the Buxton Ground on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), the GSA will be embroiled in their return fixture against the MTI from 13:30h. Then, the Cyril
Potter College of Education (CPCE) will take on the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) in their return fixture at 15:30h.
The participating teams include UG Turkeyen, UG Tain Campus, PMTI, NATI, MTI, UCTTC, LT&VTC, GSA, ETI, LTI, CPCE, Government Technical Institute (GTI), Texila American University (TAU), and Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC). The teams in the tournament will be competing for a $300,000 grand prize to be given in kind for a school project. The second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will pocket $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 for the same purpose.
Kevlon Anderson will be a key man for Guyana Harpy Eagles at the upcoming Four-Day
Mahaicony Technical Institute (MTI) goal-scorers, Tyrel Delph, Omar Williams, Winton Hartman and Niron Thom
Gudakesh Motie will hope to continue his good form
